Terminal Operator Intern - Houston, TX Area

#WeAreONEOK – Fortune 500 company. 100+ years in business. Leading midstream service provider. Safety first. Sustainable operations. Environmentally responsible. Employee focused.

JOB SUMMARY

The Terminal Operator Intern supports daily terminal operations while learning industry standards, safety practices, and equipment procedures. Work is performed under close supervision, with tasks that are structured, routine, and instructional in nature. The intern follows established processes, assists experienced operators, and gradually develops technical understanding of product handling, facility operations, and terminal systems. Decision‑making responsibilities are minimal, and guidance is provided for all assignments as the intern builds foundational knowledge and hands‑on skills.

Join a company where learning happens through experience, relationships, and meaningful work. At ONEOK, interns work on real projects, engage directly with business leaders, participate in professional development opportunities, and become part of a community that values curiosity, innovation, and personal growth. We are proud to be a people-first organization where every intern is encouraged, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.  At ONEOK, our internship program was recognized as one of the Top 100 Internships in America.  This is your opportunity to explore joining our team as an intern.

The Terminal Operator Intern supports daily terminal operations while learning industry standards, safety practices, and equipment procedures. Work is performed under close supervision, with tasks that are structured, routine, and instructional in nature. The intern follows established processes, assists experienced operators, and gradually develops technical understanding of product handling, facility operations, and terminal systems. Decision‑making responsibilities are minimal, and guidance is provided for all assignments as the intern builds foundational knowledge and hands‑on skills.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Supports product measurement activities by assisting with gauging petroleum products transferred to and from tanks, trucks, rail cars, pipelines, and, where applicable, marine vessels, under direct supervision.

• Learns and assists with valve lineups, switches, and tank changes required for the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products in and out of storage tanks.

• Follows safety protocols and works alongside experienced operators to help prevent spills, product contamination, and product loss.

• Inputs basic product or operational data into terminal automation systems (e.g., ATLAS, TopTech) while developing proficiency and accuracy.

• Participates in routine inspections, including tank checks, equipment observations, and facility walkdowns; helps record findings and supports corrective actions as directed.

• Assists with general facility upkeep, such as maintaining location appearance, supporting minor equipment repairs, and helping ensure compliance with operational standards.

• Supports customer and driver interactions, and assists with vessel, truck, and rail rack operations as assigned by qualified personnel.

• Performs assigned project and administrative tasks in support of terminal operations and training objectives.

• May assist with Department of Transportation (DOT)–covered functions under supervision, including operations, maintenance, or emergency response activities associated with pipelines or terminal systems. Intern must remain alert to safety hazards at all times and follow all safety procedures to avoid injury or property damage.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Power Plant Operator, Chemical Plant Operator, or related program.
• Interest in terminal operations and energy industry.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience in terminal operations and maintenance.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and safety standards.

• Mentorship from experienced professionals.

• Opportunity to develop technical and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to: communicate effectively orally and in writing in English

• Ability to: communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers

• Ability to: work in stressful and changing environmental conditions (conditions as noted above)

• Ability to: work under time pressure, tight deadlines, and interruptions

• Ability to: use a personal computer with the Windows® operating system to complete timesheets, send and receive e-mail, and access information posted on the Company’s intranet

• Ability to: operate a multi-line phone system.

• Ability to: follow instructions or standard procedures

• Ability to: compile and/or examine information and select the best action from defined alternatives

• Ability to: organize and/or analyze information and identify solutions from a range of alternatives

• Ability to: deal with complex issues which require substantial analysis or independent judgment

Licenses and Certifications

• None required

Strength Factor Rating - Physical Demands/Requirements

• Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Strength Factor Description - Physical Demands/Requirements

• Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about (Frequently)

• Walking: Moving about on foot (Frequently)

• Sitting: Remaining in a seated position (Occasionally)

• Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling) (Occasionally)

• Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder (Occasionally)

• Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (Occasionally)

• Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking) (Occasionally)

• Climbing: Ladders, Stairs (Occasionally)

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling (Occasionally)

• Stooping: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist (Occasionally)

• Kneeling: Bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on the knee or knees (Occasionally)

• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine (Occasionally)

• Crawling: Moving about on the hands and arms in any direction (Occasionally)

• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction (Constantly)

• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands (Manual Dexterity) (Constantly)

• Fingering: Picking, pinching or otherwise working with the fingers primarily (Finger Dexterity) (Constantly)

• Feeling: Perceiving such attributes of objects/materials as size, shape, temperature, texture, movement or pulsation by receptors in the skin, particularly those of the finger tips (Constantly)

• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas/information by means of the spoken word (Frequently)

• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sound by the ear (Frequently)

• Tasting/Smelling: (Constantly)

• Near Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less (Constantly)

• Far Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 feet for more (Constantly)

• Depth Perception: Three-dimensional vision; ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are (Constantly)

• Vision: Color - The ability to identify and distinguish colors (Constantly)

Working Conditions/Environment

• Employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions

Working Conditions

• Well lighted, climate controlled areas (Frequently)

• Outdoor weather conditions (Frequently)

• Wet or humid conditions (not weather related) (Frequently)

• Extreme cold (not weather related) (Frequently)

• Extreme heat (not weather related) (Frequently)

• Dust, fumes, gases (Frequently)

• Moving mechanical parts (Frequently)

• Potential electric shock (Frequently)

• Prolonged exposure to vibration (Frequently)

• High pitched noises/loud noises (Frequently)

• Unprotected heights (Frequently)

• Frequent repetitive motion (Constantly)

• CRT (Computer Monitor(s)) (Constantly)

Driving

• Based on assigned tasks, employee may be assigned a company vehicle requiring the applicable driver's license

ONEOK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, disability, military/veteran status, genetic information or any other categories protected by applicable law.

The job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of ONEOK.

ONEOK is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request an accommodation email [email protected] or call 1-855-663-6547​.